Fifty-two survivors have been recovered following the sinking of the inter-island ferry Princess Ashika, near Nuku'alofa, Tonga, late on August 5. However, initial reports that the ferry was carrying 75 people have now been updated to 79 people, leaving 27 still unaccounted for. A Royal New Zealand Airforce (RNZAF) Orion is currently searching the area, with a second Orion scheduled to leave Whenuapai at 8.30am to relieve it. Its ETA is around midday today. Three vessels, including the Tongan Navy vessel, the Pangai, are also on scene assisting with the search. The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) launched the rescue response after the Maritime Operations Centre (New Zealand Maritime Radio) picked up a mayday call from the Princess Ashika just before 11pm yesterday.